Infrared beam shutter trigger?

Tobyh · #1 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 08:13 AM

Hi all,

I'm interested in looking in to kit that triggers the shutter when the infrared beam or line is broken like a tripwire. I'm finding very little on this, just one product from the US.

Does anyone know of any kit that may fit my interest. I'd be using it with a D300 but I'm guessing any kit would be compatible with most makes.

Thanks in advance.

TobyH

triops · #2 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 10:19 AM

I've found the the Nikon ML-3 an excellent system and easily available. Have a look on the 'net to find others.

Tobyh · #3 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 10:24 AM

Triops,

Thanks but I think that item is just a remote trigger. I'm looking for an "unattended" trigger where the camera will take the shot when an infrared beam is broken / crossed.

I have both a wired and remote 100m trigger that both work well that were substantially cheaper than the bespoke Nikon product (as an aside).

Thanks though.

TobyH

triops · #4 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 11:11 AM

You are probably thinking of the ML-L3. Confusing, I know, but the ML-3 is the one to do everything you need. I've used it many times, overnight in the garden and out in the countryside, with excellent results.

nightshade · #5 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 12:01 PM

I have only seen one company that do unattended switches, which surprises
me especially with the number of electronic gadgets out there on e-bay.
I have seen a circuit board/s that set off a buzzer but am to chicken to carve up expensive camera cables; the MK120 IR beam break alarm, around £12
The time machine lists laser beam switches!
Time Machine Accessories

triops · #6 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 12:04 PM

Just thought I'd add a few bits. An extension lead between the detector and camera makes things much more convenient and versatile. The unit is very sensitive and I've used it to take pictures of mice, voles, rats, cats, foxes and bats, though bats are very difficult! Experimenting with detector and emitter very close and restricted by foil I found that it can even be triggered by Drosophila! (and no, I've no connection with anything commercial!).

Tobyh · #7 (**permalink**) 22-02-2011, 07:20 AM

Thanks for the extra info guys. When reading the info on the ML-3 I have to say it's not very clear on the sites I'm looking at but now you've spelled it out I'll dig alot deeper.

Nightshade - thanks for the info, maybe a bit too high tec at this point but worth bearing in mind

TobyH

Tobyh · #8 (**permalink**) 22-02-2011, 07:57 AM

Triops,

Have found a bit more info - wondering if I might pick your brain a bit?

I can see how the IR beam is set up for triggering but - I assume you have to have the receiver on the hotshoe? Can it just be wired into the 10 pin and say held in place where required? Examples I'm seeing have it both using the hotshoe AND the 10 pin connector. I'm thinking along the lines of maybe extending the 10 pin cable to allow me to place the beam out across the front of the lens, or does it only work when it's pointed out from the top of the camera? Hope that makes sense.

Does this exclude the ability to use flash?

Thanks

TobyH